10/07/2026
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
As more of our students take advantage of the nice weather by riding bicycles and e-bikes to and from school, their safety on the road and on campus remains our top priority. While riding a bike is a fantastic way to stay active and build independence, we have recently observed several unsafe riding behaviors on local streets, near traffic intersections, around school drop-off zones, and on school property after hours.
To ensure everyone stays safe and our school grounds remain secure, please review these essential rules and updated policies with your student.
Key Areas of Concern & Safety Rules
1. Weaving Between Cars (Filtering and Lane Splitting)
We have noticed students riding between stopped or slow-moving cars. This practice is extremely dangerous.
The Danger: Drivers cannot see cyclists in their blind spots, and drivers or passengers may open doors unexpectedly ("dooring").
The Rule: Cyclists must wait in line with standard traffic flow or remain safely within designated bike lanes. Never weave between moving or parked vehicles.
2. Riding Around School Buses and Bus Zones
Buses require extra caution due to their size and frequent stops.
The Danger: School buses have substantial blind spots directly in front, behind, and along both sides. A bus driver cannot see a cyclist riding closely alongside or cutting around the vehicle.
The Rule: Always give school buses a wide berth. Never attempt to pass a bus while its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended—this rule applies to cyclists and e-bike riders just as it does to motorists. Stay well behind stopping buses and wait for the bus to move before proceeding.
3. Lane Positioning: Riding in the Middle of the Road
While bicycles and e-bikes share the rights and responsibilities of standard vehicles, riding unpredictably down the middle of a lane creates significant hazards.
The Danger: Occupying the center of a lane on roads without designated bike lanes can block traffic flow, provoke unsafe passing maneuvers by motorists, or lead to collisions.
The Rule: Ride as far to the right side of the road as practicable, moving in the same direction as vehicle traffic. Always ride single file when traveling with friends. Use the center of the lane only when preparing to make a left turn or when avoiding immediate road hazards, and always use hand signals before changing positions.
4. Visibility at Dusk and Nighttime (Required Lighting)
With daylight hours shortening, visibility becomes a critical safety factor during early morning commutes or evening rides.
The Danger: Cyclists and e-bike riders are extremely difficult for motorists to see in low-light, foggy, or dark conditions.
The Rule: Any bicycle or e-bike operated at dusk, at night, or in poor visibility must be equipped with an active front white light and a rear red reflector or blinking red light. Bright, reflective clothing is also strongly encouraged.
E-Bike Specific Rules & School Campus Policy
E-bikes travel at significantly higher speeds than traditional bicycles, which drastically increases stopping distances and impact forces.
Helmets: Approved helmets are mandatory for all students riding bicycles or e-bikes. Ensure helmets fit properly and are buckled every single trip.
Speed Control: E-bike riders must adjust their speed when approaching crosswalks, pedestrians, school property, and crowded sidewalks.
NO E-BIKES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS AFTER HOURS:
We have recently seen an alarming pattern of inappropriate riding, stunts, and reckless behavior on school property outside of school hours. Effective immediately, e-bikes are strictly prohibited on school grounds after regular school hours and outside designated school activities. School property is monitored, and students found engaging in unsafe driving or trespassing with e-bikes after hours may lose campus riding privileges and face further disciplinary consequences.
How Parents and Guardians Can Help
We ask all families to take a few minutes this week to:
Discuss safe riding routes to and from school and reinforce campus expectations.
Inspect bicycles and e-bikes to verify brakes, tires, lights, and reflectors are working properly.
Reinforce the importance of putting away phones and earbuds while riding.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our roads and school campus safe for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Leavitt
Principal
